SAINTFERDINAND& GOODSHEPHERDPARISH BULLETIN | DECEMBER 9, 2018 | SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

ST. FERDINAND, BLANCO MASS TIMES:SATURDAY, 5:00 P.M.

SATURDAY (ESPAÑOL) 7:00P.M.

SUNDAY, 11:00 A.M.

GOOD SHEPHERD, JOHNSON CITY MASS TIMES:SUNDAY, 9:00 A.M.

FOR A COMPLETE WEEKDAY

MASS SCHEDULE AND MASS INTENTIONS,

PLEASE SEE THE INSIDE BACKPAGE

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:SATURDAY, 4:00 P.M., ST. FERDINAND

SUNDAY, 8:30 A.M., GOOD SHEPHERD

OR BY APPOINTMENT

MAILING ADDRESS:25 MAIN STREET | BLANCO, TEXAS |78606

PHONE NUMBERS:OFFICE PHONE: (830) 833-5227

OFFICE FAX: (830) 833-9978

GENERAL INFORMATION:ADMIN@STFERDINANDBLANCO.ORG

BULLETIN INQUIRIES:CATHY@STFERDINANDBLANCO.ORG

VISIT US ONLINE:W W W.STFERDINANDBLANCO.ORG

W W W.GOODSHEPHERDJCTX.ORG

IN THIS ISSUE: WHAT’S IN A NAME? | ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA | ST. FERDINAND MEN’S ACTS

“Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths

straight . . .” Matthew 3:3

Our days grow shorter as Earth turns toward the

winter solstice. Bless the two candles we light

against the deepening dark in anticipation of

the light that comes into the world in Jesus.

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As the journey of Advent continues, as we prepare to

celebrate the nativity of Christ, John the Baptist's call to

conversion sounds out in our communities. It is a

pressing invitation to open our hearts and to welcome the

Son of God Who comes among us to make divine

judgement manifest. The Father, writes St. John the

Evangelist, does not judge anyone, but has entrusted the

power of judgement to the Son, because He is the Son of

man.

And it is today, in the present, that we decide our

future destiny. It is with our concrete everyday behavior

in this life that we determine our eternal fate. At the end

of our days on earth, at the moment of death, we will be

evaluated on the basis of our likeness or otherwise to the

Baby Who is about to be born in the poor grotto of

Bethlehem, because He is the measure God has given

humanity.

Through the Gospel John the Baptist continues to

speak down the centuries to each generation. His hard

clear words bring health to us, the men and women of

this day in which even the experience and perception of

Christmas often, unfortunately, reflects materialist

attitudes. The 'voice' of the great prophet asks us to

prepare the way for the coming Lord in the deserts of

today, internal and external deserts, thirsting for the

water of life which is Christ.

J o h n t h e B a p t i s t

Como esta tu viaje a la llegada, mientras nos

preparamos para celebrar la Natividad de Cristo, Juan El

Bautist llama a la conversión afuera de nuestras

comunidades. Es una invitación para abrir nuestros

corazones y dar la bienvenida al hijo de Dios que viene

entre nosotros para un juicio divino. El padre, escribe

San Juan el evangelista, no juzgar a nadie, pero ha

confiado el poder de juicio al hijo, porque él es el hijo del

hombre.

Y hoy, en el presente, que decidimos nuestro futuro

destino. Es con nuestra conducta diaria concreta en esta

vida que nosotros determinamos nuestro destino eterno.

Al final de nuestros días en la tierra, en el momento de la

muerte, evaluamos sobre la base de nuestra semejanza o

para el bebé que está a punto de nacer en la pobre gruta

de Belén, porque es lo que Dios ha dado a la

humanidad.

A través del Evangelio de Juan el Bautista continúa

hablando a lo largo de los siglos a cada generación. Sus

palabras claras y duras traen salud a nosotros, los

hombres y mujeres de este día en el que incluso la

experiencia y la percepción de la Navidad a menudo, y

por desgracia, refleja actitudes materialistas. La 'voz' del

gran profeta nos pide preparar el camino para el Señor q

viene en el desierto de los desiertos de hoy, internos y

externos, sedientos del agua de la vida que es Cristo.

J u a n e l B a u t i s t a

God, from whom possibilities spring unhindered: You brought hope to our world in the babe conceived in Mary’s

womb. As a parent waits with eager longing for the birth of a child, so teach us to wait in hope. Tune our spirits

and sharpen our minds to see your hand at work in desperate times and hopeless places. Make us instruments

of the possibilities you bring. Amen.

9 s p e c i a l E v e n t s a n d A n n o u n c e m e n t s

Mass Preparation: December 16, 2018, Third Sunday of Advent, CycleC

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18aA savior is promised to Israel.

Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3,4,5-6A song of praise to God our savior.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7Rejoice always because the Lord is near.

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:10-18John the Baptist teaches the path of repentance and announces Christ.

P r a y e r & F a i t h R e s o u r c e s

Knights of Columbus

Thanksgiving and Christmas

Fundraiser!Just $20 for a chance to win one of two (2) $500 Home

Depot gift cards. Tickets will be available after Mass or

see a KC member. There are a limited number of

tickets available so get yours now. Drawing scheduled

after Mass on Sunday, December 16th.

Christmas GalaParish gathering for Christmas

Come join us for fellowship and fun

Sunday, December 9th, St. Ferdinand Parish Hall, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Pot luck dinner, bring any dish you would like to share.

Also bring your favorite Christmas pastry: homemade cookies, candy, cakes,

pies, wines, and anything you would think would make a good door prize.

*****Please bring your pot luck dish and door prize directly to the party.*****

Let’s have a good time together!

St. Ferdinand

Advent Penance Service

December 11, 2018

7 to 10 p.m.

Special Collection today for Retired Clergy and ReligiousAging religious need your help. Thousands of senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests spent

years working in Catholic schools, hospitals, and agencies — often for little pay. Their sacrifices leave

their religious communities without adequate savings for retirement and eldercare. Your gift to the

Retirement Fund for Religious collection helps provide prescription medications, nursing care, and

more. Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Hermanas, hermanos y sacerdotes católicos de órdenes religiosas mayores pasaron su vida en escuelas

católicas, hospitales y agencias de servicio social, muchas veces con bajos sueldos. Como consecuencia

de aquellos sacrificios, sus comunidades religiosas se hallan ahora sin ahorros suficientes para costear

la jubilación y cuidados geriátricos de los miembros. Su donativo al Fondo para la Jubilación de

Religiosos ayuda con las recetas médicas, cuidados de enfermería y más. Done a aquellos que dieron

toda una vida.

St. Ferd inandDRE – Susan Moore 833-0444

susan@stferdinandblanco.org

Office hours/Horarios de Oficina:

Wednesdays/Miercoles 12:00-6:00 p.m.

Class schedule:

Sunday mornings 9:30-10:40 a.m. - PreK-6th Grade

No class Dec. 23, 30, Jan. 6. Classes resume Jan. 13

Wednesday evenings 6:00-7:15 p.m. - 7th -8th Grade

No class Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9. Classes resume Jan. 16

Jan. 9 – Catechist Development Day

If you are new to the parish and would like to register your

children for Religious Education classes, please contact the

Director of Religious Education at 833-0444 or come by the

RE Office on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from noon to

6:00 p.m.

Advent-How will you prepare for Christmas?

https://dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever/

is a free email program that will help you slow down and

focus on what matters most during this busy season.

You'll experience Advent in a whole new way—leading to

the best Christmas of your life! The site also has Advent

prayers, resources, and activities including a DIY Advent

Calendar.

https://www.holyheroes.com/ a daily email with video

clips about Advent for children, along with activities.

https://formed.org/promo/advent-reflections-

registration

Ready your heart for the coming of Christ. Watch an

inspiring video reflection each day of Advent from Dr. Tim

Gray, and read a passage form the Word of God. You can

also request children’s reflections from the beloved

Brother Francis videos with joyful songs and valuable

lessons. A free 30 day trial of Formed.org is required to

view the video clips and will be offered when you receive

your first email.

Adviento-¿Cómo te estás preparando para la Navidad?

Prepara tu corazón a la venida de Cristo. Vea una

reflexión inspiradora de el P. Luis Granados cada dia y

lea un pasaje de la Palabra de Dios.

¿Te gustaría incluir a toda la familia? ¡Puedes agregar las

reflexiones para niños (disponibles en inglés), a tu correo

electrónico de reflexión diaria!. Nuestro querido amigo

Brother Francis, ayudará a tus hijos a prepararse para la

Navidad con canciones alegres y valiosas lecciones.

Para registrarse puede ir a:

https://formed.org/promo/advent-reflections-

registration-spanish

Cuando se recibe el primer mensaje, podra registrarse

para un mes subscripcion de Formed.org gratis. Se

requiere la subscripcion para poder ver los videos.

Christmas parties:

Sunday Dec 16th PreK-6th

Wednesday December 19th 7th & 8th

Bring a small amount of your favorite

snack to share.

RCIA Adapted for Children is in need of an added team

member to assist with seven parent/child sessions each

year, and other planned celebrations. For more

information, please contact the Director of Religious

Education at 833-0444.

Good Shepherd

Margie Vasquez, Coordinator of REmargie@stferdinandblanco.orgFor registering or for information, please email Margie

Vasquez or contact the office at St. Ferdinand, Mon – Fri

from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 830-833-5227.

Religious Education Classes:

No classes on Dec. 22, 2018 – Jan. 5, 2019 – Christmas

Holidays!

Pre-K thru 5th Grade: Wednesday's 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Middle School - 6th thru 8th Grade (Edge Program): EDGE Youth

Group meets once a month for activities and events. Please see

updates and information on the Youth Ministry section. Calendar of

events available in the RE building.

High School 9th thru 12th Grade (Lifeteen Program): RICH Youth

Group meets on Sunday’s 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the St. Ferdinand

Parish Hall in Blanco. Please see updates and information on the

Youth Ministry section.

Pre-Confirmation Classes – 8th thru 12th Grade Classes will

meet once a month on the second Saturday of the month from 9:30

a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Next Class scheduled for next year, January

12th, 2019. Please see Margie Vasquez or Maria Rodriguez for

information (or contact the parish office at 830-833-5227).

Religious Education

Estudio Bíblico El Evangelio de Juan, Loyola Press

Acoge humildemente la palabra que ha sido plantado en ti y

puede salvar tus almas. - Santiago 1:21b

Domingos 9:30-10:30 con Rosa Vargas en las siguientes

fechas. Para información llame a 833-0444.

9 de diciembre

16 de diciembre

A Domestic Pentecost

“Each new day in the life of our families, and each new

generation, brings the promise of a new Pentecost, a

domestic Pentecost, a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, the

Paraclete, whom Jesus sends as our Advocate, our

Consoler and indeed our Encourager.”

Pope Francis World Meeting of Families August 26,

2018

Join your facilitator in the Parish Hall 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

during RE classes to find out more about these topics:

January 20th Observing Lent in the Domestic Church

Un Pentecostés Doméstico

Cada nuevo día en la vida de nuestras familias, y cada

generación nueva, trae la promesa de un Pentecostés

nuevo, un Pentecostés domestico, una nueva efusión del

Espíritu Santo, el Paráclito, a quien Jesús envía como

nuestro Abogado, nuestro Consolador y, de hecho, es el

quien nos anima.

Papa Francisco Reunión Mundial de Familias 26 de agosto

2018

Reúne con Cecilia Avila en el Hall de 9:30 a 10:30 durante

las clases de educación religiosa para aprender más acerca

de estos tópicos:

20 de enero Observando la Cuaresma en la iglesia

domestica

mailto:susan@stferdinandblanco.orghttps://dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever/https://www.holyheroes.com/https://formed.org/promo/advent-reflections-registrationhttps://formed.org/promo/advent-reflections-registration-spanishmailto:margie@stferdinandblanco.org

High School Religious Education: Summer 2018

High School: (9th – 12th grades)

Reminder:We will not be having a class this Sunday Dec. 9th and No Classes on Dec. 23rd and 30th for Christmas and New Year’s

Holidays.

Blanco and Johnson City High School Teens meet each Sunday night at RICH (Resting in Christ’s Hands). Classes are held

at the St. Ferdinand Parish hall from 5:30pm–7:30pm. All are welcome!!

Next Class on Dec. 16th – Tacky Sweater Party (Come join us for some fun!!)

Middle School: (6th – 8th grades)Blanco and Johnson City Middle School Students can join EDGE Youth Ministry. We have activities planned once a month

for students to experience adoration, community service, praise and worship as well as attending retreats as a group. All

Middle School Students are Welcomed!

Confirmation Classes: (St. Ferdinand & Good Shepherd)All Teens for our parish seeking Confirmation in 2019 must sign up for RICH Youth Ministry classes on Sunday nights.

We will be having our first Parent / Student meeting on Sunday Dec. 16th (new date moved from Dec. 9th) from 4:00 p.m. to

5:30 p.m. in the St. Ferdinand Parish Hall. Parents will receive information as to confirmation class requirements, class

schedule, as well as information about the program being used for the curriculum. We will be using the CHOSEN program

from Ascension Press. If you have any questions as to registration, please contact Margie Vasquez. If you would prefer to

register online, please visit stferdinandblanco.org/richyouth to register.

PULSE: (Prayer, Unity, Leadership, Service, Evangelization)We will be holding our next meeting Sunday, January 27th, 2019 at the St. Ferdinand Parish Hall starting at

4:00 pm. Any youth wanting to participate and be a part of the PULSE TEAM – Please join us. We will be meeting monthly

to discuss and plan: lessons, retreats, lock-in’s, service talks, service projects, and learning how to promote spiritual growth

in self and others!

Upcoming Events:

Community Service Opportunity:Members of the St Ferdinand & Good Shepherd RICH Youth Group and any high school-aged teen in our parishes have

been asked to help with the 2018 St Jude's Ranch for Children Christmas Party in Bulverde.

WHAT: St. Jude’s Ranch for Children (SJRC) is a non-profit organization that cares for children and families aged 0-21

years of age who have been affected by trauma, abuse or neglect. RICH Youth Group members would help organizers set up,

serve food, facilitate activities and games for the residents, and clean up after the party. There are currently about 40 middle

and high-schoolers, and one 5th grader residing at SJRC in Bulverde.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15th. We would depart from the St Ferdinand Church parking lot at 12:30pm and return by 4:30pm.

WHERE: St Jude's Ranch for Children Ranch is located at 1400 Ridge Creek Ln, Bulverde TX 78163

WHY: We are called to serve Christ in others. In addition to service hours, participating youth will receive the joy and

humility of serving a community close in age to them.

Youth Ministry Volunteers:If interested in volunteering, you must be EIM compliant. Please refer to bulletin for upcoming workshops in our area.

For all Youth Ministry inquires or to learn more about all the events, activities and retreats planned for this

year or to register - please contact the parish office during regular business hours or email:

margie@stferdinandblanco.org.

$5.00Sunday, December 9, 2018

After Mass

Meal includes

Sausage wraps, chips and a drink.

W e l c o m e V i s i t o r s & G u e s t s

Thank you for Celebrating the Mass with us. We are glad that you are here. If you have any questions about our parish or joiningthe Catholic faith, please contact the Church office for information concerning reception of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eu-charist, Confirmation, Matrimony and Anointing of the Sick. Parent interviews for Baptism need to be scheduled with the priest sixweeks in advance. Marriage Arrangements need to be made with the priest at least six months in advance. Holy Communion can bebrought to the sick on request. If you know of anyone in need, please call the office.

S t a f f E m a ils

Rev. Fr. Brion Zarskyfrbrion@stferdinandblanco.org

Deacon Jessie Esquiveldcn.jessie@stferdinandblanco.org

Susan Moore, Director of Religious Educationsusan@stferdinandblanco.org

Penny Thomas, Bookkeeperpenny@stferdinandblanco.org

Cathy Cudd, Secretarycathy@stferdinandblanco.org

o f f i c e H o u r sMonday through Friday:1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

o f f i c e c o n t a c t I n f o r m a t i o n

Mailing Address:25 Main St.Blanco, TX 78606

Phone Numbers:Main Office: (830) 833-5227Office Fax: (830) 833-9978

General Informationadmin@stferdinandblanco.org

Bulletin Informationbulletin@stferdinandblanco.org

“C h r i s t r e d e e m e d u s o n t h e h a r d a r m s o f t h e C r o s s , a n dh i s k n i g h t w i l l n o t s e r v e h i m i n a n y o t h e r w a y .”

-SAINT FERDINAND III OF CASTILE

P a r i s h M i n i s t r i e s & I n f o r m a t i o n

5:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 8th (StF) 7:00 p.m.Parishioners of St. Ferdinand and Good Shepherd

Sunday, December 9th (GS) 9:00 a.m.Rosary at 8:25 a.m. Parishioners of Good Shepherd and St. Ferdinand

Sunday, December 9th (StF) 11:00 a.m.Repose of the Soul of Francis Hartmann by Mr. & Mrs. Herb Nebgen

Tuesday, December 11th (StF) 9:00 a.m.Repose of the Soul of Francis Hartmann by Rhonda Klepac-Uecker

Wednesday, December 12th (StF) 9:00 a.m.Repose of the Soul of Charlotte Ellis by Rhonda Klepac-Uecker

Thursday, December 13th (StF) 9:00 a.m.Repose of the Soul of Francis Hartmann by Genevieve Boerner

Thursday, December 13th (GS) No Mass

Friday, December 14th (SF) No Mass

Saturday, December 15th (StF) 5:00 p.m.Repose of the Soul of Francis Hartmann by Mr. & Mrs. Herb Nebgen

Saturday, December 15th (StF) 7:00 p.m.Parishioners of St. Ferdinand and Good Shepherd

mas s es & I n t e n t i o n sWeek of December 8, 2018 – December 15, 2018

Saturday, December 8th (StF)Repose of the Soul of Francis Hartmann by Mr. & Mrs. George Vogel

All bulletin items must be submitted by

end of day on Monday.

mailto:frbrion@stferdinandblanco.orgmailto:dcn.jessie@stferdinandblanco.orgmailto:susan@stferdinandblanco.orgmailto:penny@stferdinandblanco.orgmailto:cathy@stferdinandblanco.orgmailto:admin@stferdinandblanco.orgmailto:bulletin@stferdinandblanco.org

St. Ferdinand:Regular CollectionBuilding Fund

Good Shepherd:Regular CollectionBlack Bag

$4,764.00$1,038.80

$1,386.00$149.52

Good Shepherd Men’s ClubMeets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall.

Knights of ColumbusMeets the 3rd Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Ferdinand parish hall.

Catholic Daughters Of The AmericasMeets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Ferdinand parish hall.

ACTS Core Team:Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p. m. in the St. Ferdinand Parish Hall.

St. Ferdinand’s Parish ChoirMeets Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. Call 830-833-4939 for more information.

Good Shepherd Children’s Choir:Meets Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)Meets Thursday nights from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the St. Ferdinand RE Building.

Women’s Bible Study:Meets every Thursday at 1 p.m. If you’re interested in joining please contact Karen Gebhardt at 210-414-7301 orkgebhardt52@gmail.com.

Parish O r g a n i z a t i o n s & Meeting T i m e s

St. Anne’s Altar SocietyMeets the 1st Thursday of the month immediately following 9 a.m. Mass in the parish hall.

P a r i s h M i n i s t r i e s & In f o r m a t i o n , C o n t ’ d

Good Shepherd V o c a t i o n s C h a l i c e

If your family feels called to pray with the Chalice, please contactWarren Davis before or after Mass or by calling him directly at713-569-9491.

c o l l e c t i o n s s t a t e m e n t

Week of December 2, 2018Thank you for your generosity!

Know that the LORD is God, he made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the flock he shepherds.

-PSALM 100:3

second co l l e c t i o n f o r T o d a y :

StF & GS: Retired Clergy

We b s i t e s : For a complete list of ministries, contacts, and other resources, please visit our websites:

www.stferdinandblanco.org www.goodshepherdjctx.org

Pr a y e r ListPlease continue to pray for comfort and healing for the sick in our

parish community. In addition, please ask the Lord for wisdom for

their doctors and nurses, rest for their caregivers, and peace and

strength for their family and friends.

Clara Jo Bindseil Ralph Moss

Pat Bindseil Bill & Marian Noonan

Joanne Bodine Andrea Perez

Barbara Crowley Charles Reinert

Lee Durci Joe D. Riba, Sr.

Roselle Wagner Fischler Freddy Salazar

John Geldorf Lucille Scharnhorst

Dylan Gonzales Gay Schuler

Ruben Gonzales Lydia Segura

Teresa Harris Jacob Umanzor

Clifford Lane Nellie Upshaw

Wyatt Ledesma Tony Vela

Naomi Michalsky Polo Zamora

If you or someone you know needs prayer in a special way,

please email: cathy@stferdinandblanco.org.

mailto:kgebhardt52@gmail.comhttp://www.stferdinandblanco.org/http://www.goodshepherdjctx.org/mailto:bulletin@stferdinandblanco.org

(your ad here)Your Parish. Your Message.

Contact the Parish Office today for Business Advertising, Event Advertising, and Memorial

Space availability and rates.

(830) 833-5227 | cathy@stferdinandblanco.org

Member

FDIC

401 MainP.O. Box 1329Blanco, TX 78606

(830) 833-0240Cell: (830) 688-3686Fax: (830) 833-0242

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Casey WayneRussell- Uncle Wade

(AKA Fr. Wade)

oscarsegura@txwinet.com

Rock Work • All Types of Fence Work

Chain Link • Privacy • No Climb

BarbwireOpen Everyday

Dine in, Catering &

Dance Hall for

Private Events

318 4th Street

1-830-833-1BBQ (1227)

P l e a s e s u p p o r t O u r s p o n s o r s

St. Anne, Pray forUs!

St. Anne’s Altar SocietyJoin us the first Thursday of each month after 8:00

a.m. Mass in the Parish Hall for fellowship &

prayer as we work in support of our church family!

BLANCO BANKING CENTER

STORMY PRUITT MELISSA SEYMOUR

Regional President Operations Officer

stormyp@myhnb.com melissas@myhnb.com

NMLS #730040

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